Phipps Cameron’s Post

I’m humbled and excited to finally introduce SkynetCFO, a venture I’ve been passionately building over the past two years. With over 10 years of experience in tech and finance, I’ve focused on creating a productized offering that provides top-notch financial support at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time Controller or CFO. During this time, I’ve been dedicated to delivering the best possible care to my clients while refining our services to maximize value. SkynetCFO leverages cutting-edge AI and automation to offer expert financial guidance, from budgeting and forecasting to risk management and compliance. Our mission is to empower business owners to focus on their core operations while we handle their financial management. We believe in true business partnering, working closely with our clients to develop tailored solutions that drive their companies forward. I’ve truly found my passion in helping businesses thrive, and I’m excited to continue this journey. If you’d like to learn more, visit our website (link in the comments) or DM me directly. Let’s connect and explore how we can achieve success together! #Entrepreneurship #FinancialServices #Tech #Startups #AI #Innovation #CFO #Controllership

When Should Startups Hire a CFO? For startups, deciding when to hire a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) involves balancing financial control with strategic growth. Traditionally, startups waited to hire a CFO until facing significant financial milestones, like raising $100 million or preparing for an IPO. This approach prioritized immediate, operational needs over long-term financial strategy. However, the startup environment is rapidly evolving, and so is the role of the CFO. Modern CFOs are not just financial gatekeepers but strategic partners across the business. Their expertise now extends beyond finance, touching on operations, strategy, and even investor relations. This broader role suggests that the value of a CFO can be critical even in the earlier stages of a startup’s life. The Strategic Partner The argument for bringing a CFO on board earlier hinges on the complex, dynamic nature of startups today. A CFO can offer more than financial oversight; they provide strategic guidance, operational insight, and can be instrumental in fundraising efforts. Their involvement can lend credibility to a startup, attract investors, and guide strategic decisions that ensure long-term sustainability and growth. The Blurred Lines In some startups, the CFO’s responsibilities may overlap with those of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) or even act as a co-CEO, particularly when strategic financial planning is crucial to the startup’s operations and growth. This expanded scope underlines the importance of the CFO in not just managing finances but in driving the startup’s overall strategy. Making the Call Ultimately, the decision to hire a CFO is nuanced. It should be based on the startup’s stage, operational complexity, and strategic needs. While early-stage startups might manage without a CFO, those nearing significant growth phases or dealing with complex financial landscapes may find a CFO’s strategic and operational insights indispensable. Are you a startup founder or a CFO? What's your take on hiring a CFO? #startup #founders #statups

Attention recruiters! The startup world is witnessing a seismic shift in hiring priorities. Here's why CFOs are now the hottest commodity in the job market: • Over 40% of recent CFO searches were for startups and new-age companies • 40% increase in CFO searches in the last 18 months • Compensation packages soaring to 2.5-5X previous levels, reaching Rs 2.5-4.5 crore annually Why the surge? ✅ Startups aim for profitability and IPO readiness ✅ Investors demand stronger financial oversight ✅ CFOs now play a crucial role in value creation and strategy The ideal CFO for startups is more than a financial expert. They're: • A devil's advocate • A strategic partner • A value extractor • A trusted advisor Are you a finance professional looking to make an impact? Or a startup searching for that perfect CFO? If so, then let us help you! Drop a comment or DM to learn more! #StartupCFO #FinanceLeadership #TechStartups #CareerGrowth

Do you know about T-Shaped & V-Shaped Employees? Super interesting when you dig into the detail!!👇 As a business we spend an incredible amount of time reviewing & assessing "T-Shaped Skills" but I have never come across "V-Shaped Skills" T-Shaped Profile 🔍 👉 Vertical bar of the 'T' symbolizes deep expertise in a specific domain. (Finance, Marketing, Sales, Ops, Product etc) 👉 Horizontal bar denotes a broad understanding across various disciplines. Meaning T-shaped individuals excel in their core area while also possessing versatile knowledge across different functions, enabling them to collaborate effectively and drive innovation in diverse teams. V-Shaped Profile 🔍 👉 V-shaped skills emphasize deep specialization without necessarily requiring a broad understanding of other domains. V-shaped individuals are highly skilled within their niche but may not possess the same level of adaptability or cross-functional collaboration as T-shaped professionals. Therefore, CFOs within dynamic, fast paced businesses will typically benefit more from T-shaped skills due to the multifaceted nature of CFO responsibilities!!🤹♂️ Startup CFOs require deep expertise (Vertical) in all areas of financial management but also need a broad understanding (Horizontal) of various functions such as operations, strategy, legal, marketing and sales. This breadth enables great CFOs to collaborate effectively with other executives and provide strategic financial guidance that aligns with the overall goals of the startup. Which is why securing the right CFO at the Series B + stage is so important!!🚀 *** 🔔 If you enjoy my content, follow me Andrew Waters for more in the future ♻️ Repost to share with your network #startups #founders #cfos #entrepreneurship #hiring

Does your startup desperately need a CFO? But you don't have the cash. Try this. Imagine your startup is a car making funny noises. You could try fixing it yourself by watching YouTube videos. But let's be real… It'll be unpleasant. You probably won’t get anywhere. Or… You take it to an expert mechanic who knows how to diagnose and fix the issue. Most rational people choose the mechanic. So why do startups often try to DIY their finances? The solution → Hire a fractional CFO. They offer the same high-value services as a full-time CFO. But with the flexibility and affordability to meet you where you're at. If you’re: - Unsure about your unit economics & metrics - Investors are requesting financial reports - Worried about running out of cash …it’s time to bring on a FCFO. A fractional CFO brings: - Cost savings of $20K+/month vs. full-time - Decades of diverse startup experience - Objective, expert financial insights Strategic finance. Fraction of the cost. Follow Paul Bianco (me) to hear my (somehow controversial) views on why startups should grow slow and steady.

Problem of Start ups- Series Problem No 1 Funding Constraints: Problem: Securing adequate funding is a persistent challenge for startups. Solution: Diversify funding sources by exploring angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, and government grants. Develop a compelling pitch and business plan to attract investors. Consider bootstrapping and focusing on lean operations initially. Get a proper CFO to take up all the above given points. Although getting full time CFO might be cost constraint, Startups can look into hiring Consultant CFO's or Virtual CFO's

Are VPs of Finance replacing CFOs as Preferred Hires for Early-Stage Startups in New York? Keen to get your thoughts. Currently, we're observing that Series A/B tech firms are increasingly hesitant to hire a CFO. The primary reasons are cost considerations, the desire to maintain the company's hierarchical status quo, and the belief that a VP of Finance, who is often more scrappy and adaptable, is better suited to their needs. Typically, it is around Series C that companies start considering bringing on a CFO. To put this into context, understanding why startups refer to growth stages in terms of funding is crucial. Generally, a stage of funding correlates with specific revenue milestones and team size. For example, a Series A startup might have reached a certain revenue level and have a growing team that justifies its funding stage. However, there are exceptions, particularly in sectors like Fintech and Biotech, where substantial funding is required earlier due to the capital-intensive nature of these industries. Does this trend indicate a misunderstanding of the value a CFO can bring, or are companies correct in opting for a VP of Finance at the early stages due to the differing expectations compared to later stages? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Are VPs of Finance truly the better choice for early-stage startups, or is there a potential underestimation of the strategic value that a CFO can provide from the outset? #startup #tech #cfo #vpoffinance #newyork

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Co-Founder & President | Fractional CFO Services at Pecunio! In Latin, Pecunio means Trusted Finance, and that’s exactly what we aim to be—trusted business partners for SMEs, startups, and scale-ups. Our goal is simple: provide fractional CFO/COO, accounting, and bookkeeping services to help businesses grow until they’re ready to hire full-time talent. We’re also building some exciting, AI-driven financial solutions to streamline the finance function for our clients—so stay tuned! If you know anyone who needs talent and support but can’t yet afford full-time staff, I’d love your referrals. We’re here to help! On a personal growth note: Being back in Sydney just 5 months has already proved life changing. I’ve never been happier personally and professionally. I’m excited for the next chapter of my career and life here. After 4 years away from Australia, locked out because of the pandemic, I am back where I feel most at home. And building on my US based Consulting business, I am heading up a new partnership venture based in Sydney that is backed by seasoned CEOs, CFOs, and CPAs. The challenges of the past few years have taught me so much, and I’m incredibly grateful to my amazing clients, partners, and friends for their support. Everything has led me to this point and I couldn’t be happier with where things have ended up. While my corporate career and consulting roles in larger companies proved invaluable for my professional growth, I now truly enjoy working with other founders and leaders of smaller companies. As a founder myself, I know the challenges of wearing EVERY hat and getting the business to that next level. New website and specific service offerings will be coming soon. Watch this space! #finance #accounting #saas #startup #scaleup #fractionalCFO #tech

How to hire the right CFO for your scaleup: ❌ Avoid: A bureaucratic CFO from a mature company. Hire: An agile and ambitious CFO who thrives on uncertainty ❌ Avoid: An aloof, poor communicator who stays on the sidelines. Hire: An active and curious team player and leader ❌ Avoid: A diffident CFO who leans too heavily on a CEO. Hire: A savvy, self-assured CFO who inspires confidence and trust ❌ Avoid: A CFO who thrives on details and processes over analytics. Hire: A CFO with strong analytical skills and a numbers mindset ❌ Avoid: A CFO who thinks they (must) know it all. Hire: A CFO who knows their strengths and understands their limits  ❌ Avoid: A CFO who sees compliance as a waste of time. Hire: A CFO who prioritises compliance  https://lnkd.in/eaHJcZwG

Securing funding is a significant milestone for any startup, but it's what comes next that often determines the path to success. As your startup transitions from the early stages to growth phase, certain specialized roles become crucial to manage and maximize your new resources effectively. Here’s a breakdown of essential positions you should consider filling to ensure robust growth, and how Start Wise Hires can help you find the perfect candidates. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Post-funding, it’s vital to manage your finances meticulously. A CFO brings financial expertise to handle complex budgets, financial planning, risk management, and investor relations. They ensure that every dollar is accounted for and strategically used to fuel growth. Chief Technology Officer (CTO) For tech startups, a CTO is indispensable. They drive product development, oversee the engineering team, and ensure that technology strategies align with your business goals. A CTO will also keep your tech advances on the cutting edge and maintain your competitive edge in the market. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) As you scale, so should your marketing efforts. A CMO with experience in growth hacking can be invaluable. They develop strategies to enhance brand visibility, user acquisition, and market penetration. Their leadership can turn market opportunities into streams of revenue. Human Resources Director Rapid growth means more employees. A HR Director will help you manage this expansion smoothly. They are crucial for recruiting talent, developing company culture, and ensuring compliance with employment laws, which is especially important as you grow. Chief Operations Officer (COO) A COO will streamline your operations for efficiency and scalability. They manage day-to-day operations and ensure that business activities are aligned with strategic goals. Their oversight can make your business processes more robust and agile. Get a Free Consultation Not sure how to start the hiring process for these key roles? Let Start Wise Hires guide you. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist in building your leadership team to take your startup to the next level. #recruitment #itrecruitment #itrecruiter #itrecruiting #itrecruitmentagency #techrecruiter #techrecruitment #techrecruiting #startups #startupideas #startupfounder #startuprecruiting #technicalrecruiters #startuprecruitment